It also works with such third-party artists and labels as One Direction, Pet Shop Boys, Blur and Mute.

London-based DSL joined Universal Music following the acquisition of EMI Recorded Music. Its e-commerce technology will now also become Universal Music's standard in-house e-commerce platform for consumer and artist music stores around the world, the company said.

DSL continues to be run by Russel Coultart who has been named vp, global D2C, reporting to Universal Music president of global digital business Rob Wells.

Said Wells: "DSL know better than anyone how to run first-rate and profitable artist and label digital stores, and their D2C technology is the best we’ve ever seen."

Coultart said: "Everyone at DSL is very excited about the possibilities ahead of us. We’re already exploring some great ideas with our new colleagues, and the strength of UMG allows us to deliver an even more effective and seamless service to all of our partners."